Indiana War Memorial

Honoring Hoosier Veterans

Welcome

The Indiana War Memorial Plaza Historic District contains two museums, three parks, and 24 acres of monuments, statues, sculptures, and fountains in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, making the state's capital second only to Washington D.C. in acreage and number of monuments dedicated to veterans. It is also home to the national and state headquarters of the American Legion. The War Memorial Commission operates these facilities in pursuit of its primary mission: to commemorate the valor and sacrifice of the United States Armed Forces and especially to honor Hoosier veterans and Indiana's role in the nation's conflicts.

Take a Virtual Tour of the Soldiers & Sailors Monument and the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum! Click the forward arrow at the bottom of the screen to start your tour. Then click the left arrow to tour the Civil War Museum or forward again to ride the elevator up to the Observation Deck for a panoramic view of downtown Indianapolis.

Channel 8 interview with Brigadier General Stewart Goodwin, Executive Director IWM, about the new virtual tours.

SFC Sammy L. Davis, Hoosier Medal of Honor Recipient

The Indiana War Memorial unveiled a new exhibit honoring SFC Sammy Davis, Medal of Honor recipient from Indiana. Davis was awarded the Medal of Honor for "gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty" in the defense of Firebase Cudgel during the Vietnam War, November 18, 1967. The exhibit features over a hundred artifacts and personal effects, uniform, bio, photos, artwork, and a video interview with Davis. Adjacent to the exhibit is a Vietnam firebase display containing a 105mm howitzer like the one Davis crewed. The exhibit was officially unveiled by Governor Mike Pence on May 28, 2013.

Bricks of Remembrance Program

The Indiana War Memorials Foundation has launched its "Bricks of Remembrance" program to memorialize veterans. Each brick will be engraved with the name, rank, branch and dates of service of an individual veteran, and placed at Monument Circle, the very heart of the State of Indiana and its capital city of Indianapolis. These dedicated bricks will encircle the Soldiers & Sailors Monument, ensuring that our heroes will not be forgotten by future generations. You can contribute to the placement of as many bricks as you wish for $100 tax-deductible charitable donation for each brick. Bricks will be engraved and installed on a quarterly basis. Click here to download the donation form or for more information.

Girl Scouts for Old Glory

The Indiana War Memorials Commission has partnered with the Girl Scouts of Central Indiana and the 500 Festival to collect US Flags that should be retired. The purpose of the collection is to provide a proper way of retiring the flags which will take place at the Girl Scouts summer camps where the scouts will learn the history and meaning of flag retirement. Flags were collected at the 500 Festival Parade and will continue to be collected at the Indiana War Memorial throughout the year. US Flags that are structurally damaged or faded should be respectfully disposed. This program provides for proper retirement and presents a learning opportunity for the Girl Scouts. Click here to listen to an interview about the program on WFYI's "No Limits".

Latest/Featured News

October - November 2, 2014: The Indiana War Memorial is participating in the "Keep Indy Warm" drive! You can donate hats, gloves, socks and scarves in the IWM main lobby. Click here for more information.

May 26 - November 11, 2014: The Indiana War Memorial Museum is proud to host the Military Tribute Quilt to honor American veterans and support those currently serving! Click here for more information.

May 1, 2014: The Indiana War Memorial Museum unveiled a new exhibit honoring Indiana fighter ace and POW Colonel James Kasler, the only person to ever receive three Air Force Crosses! Click here for more information.